Singh said Suu Kyi could play a key role in Myanmar's emergence as a democratic country, but he also called for engaging with Myanmar's ruling generals in a forward looking and constructive manner.

A former ambassador to Myanmar also confirmed that India has often in the past privately urged the generals that it was in their interest to set her free.

India backed a UNHRC resolution calling for democratisation and dialogue in the country while registering its dissent with the "unhelpful tone" in the document.

Describing Myanmar as a "close and friendly neighbour" with whom India shares "links of geography, culture, history and religion", Singh noted that recent developments in that country were a matter of concern for New Delhi.

He pointed out that External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had met his Myanmarese counterpart, U Nyan Win at New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session on October 1 and conveyed India's concern.

Mukherjee sought a probe into the recent incidents of violence and crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Myanmar.

"We are closely monitoring the situation there," Singh was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.

Suu Kyi, the pro-democracy leader, has been under house arrest since 2000.